Wall member for heated compartment



June 7, 1960 Filed May 26, 1954 G. W. KAMIN WALL MEMBER FOR HEATEDCOMPARTMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INV TOR.

6 'mzra ATTORNEY-5,

June 7, 1960 G. w. KAMlN 2,939,452

WALL MEMBER FOR HEATED compm'rmzm Filed May 26, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR:

lO iNEXa June 7, 1960 Filed May 26, 1954 G. w. KAMlN WALL MEMBER FORHEATED COMPARTMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent WALL MEMBER FOR I'HEATED COMPARTMENT George W.Kamin, Lombard, Ill., assignor to Cribben and Sexton Company, Chicago,111., a corporation of Illinois Filed May 26, 1954, Ser. No. 432,396

7 Claims. (Cl. 126-190) This invention relates to an insulating wallmember for a heated space, and more particularly to an insulatingclosure for the access opening of a heated space or compartment. Theinvention is especially useful in ovens, broilers, etc., of cookingstoves, but has utility in other environments, as will be apparenthereinafter.

In heated compartments such as the ovens and broilers of cooking stoves,for example, it is desirable to maintain the exterior walls relativelycool while the interior of the compartment is at a relatively hightemperature. This result is desirable both from the standpoint of safetyand from the point of view of reducing heat loss and thereby conservingfuel. Numerous wall structures have been proposed but none have beencompletely satisfactory and there exists a need for wall structures thatare able to produce the named results.

It is, accordingly, an object of this invention to provide a wallstructure capable of maintaining the exterior surface of the wallrelatively cool though the interior surface of the wall is relativelyhot. Another object is to provide a wall structure operative to producethat resultwithout increasing fuel consumption in order to maintain aheated space enclosed by the wall at a desired I temperature, as is thecondition where air is circulated through a Wall to cool the exteriorsurface thereof. Still another object is to provide a wall structure fora heated compartment or space wherein the wall provides a goodinsulating means for the compartment and permits a cool exterior wallsurface even though the interior surfaces are relatively hot; the wallstructure being relatively thin, sturdy and adapted to economicalfabrication whereby it is suitable for use in domestic kitchen stoves.

A further object is in providing a wall structure that may be a closuredoor for an oven or the like, the door providing an inner panel securedto other door members at spaced points that provide limitedmetal-to-metal contact areas whereby the heat conduction from the innerpanel to the other door members is at a minimum. Still a further objectis in the provision of a closure door for the oven, broiler, etc., of acooking stove and in which the door comprises spaced-apart inner andouter panels and support frame therefor, the space between the panelsbeing filled with insulation and the interior panel being secured to theframe by reduced and limited metal-to-metal contact areas. Additionalobjects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds.Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vear view'in elevation of a closuredoor 7 embodying the invention and in which parts are broken away toshow the door construction; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of aclosure door embodying the invention and shown mounted in position forclosing the' access opening of a kitchen stove; Fig. 3 is a brokenvertical sectional view in enlargement showing one form of securing theinner wall panel to the frame members of the wall; Fig. 4 is a brokenvertical sectional view "similar to that of Fig- 3 but showing amodified form Patented June 7, 1960 of securing the inner panel to theframe members; Fig. 5 is a broken rear view in elevation showing amodified form of the invention; Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional viewtaken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and Fig. 7 is a broken verticalsectional view showing a modification.

It has been brought out hereinbefore that the invention relates toinsulating wall structures adapted for use in providing closures forheated spaces or compartments. The drawings illustrate a specific typeof wall structure wherein the wall is movable and may provide a closurefor an access opening. It will be appreciated, however, that suchshowing is exemplary only and that the invention and wall constructionincorporating the same may be used in rigid, immovable wall structures.

Referring now to Fig. 2 in particular, it is seen that a wall member isprovided having an exterior panel 10 equipped adjacent the edge portionthereof with a peripheral flange 11 that is turned rearwardly. Spacedfrom the exterior panel 1%} is an inner or interior panel 12 that isalso equipped with a forwardly-turned peripheral flange 13 that isturned outwardly adjacent the inner end thereof to provide the flange orwall portion 14. If desired, the inner panel 12 may be equipped with aridge orrib .15 that reinforces the panel and stiffens the same. Theinner and outer panel members are spaced apart, and mounted therebetweenare the frame members 16. The frame member 16 comprises a frame portion17 and a liner portion 18.

As is shown best in Fig. 1, the frame 17 is generally in the shape of adiamond and provides a central opening that is indicated generally at19. The frame 17 is formed with a relatively flat edge portion 20 and aninwardly and laterally inclined section 2.1 and a relatively flatvertical portion 22 that is substantially parallel with the edge portion20. The liner 18 has a forwardly-turned peripheral flange 23 that istelescopically received within the flange 11 provided by the outer panel10. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the inner edge portion of the liner 18 isturned laterally and in an opposite direction to the flange 23 toprovide a flange portion 24. The liner 18 preferably provides a centralopening 25 therethrough as shown, but in certain instances could beclosed throughout its entire area. In result, then, substantially theentire space between the inner and outer Wall panels is open and, asshown in Fig. 2, this space is filled with an insulation 26. Theinsulation 26 may take on any suitable characteristic and will have theproperty of conducting heat slowly, as for example, spun glass. Sinceinsulations of this character are well known in the art, it is believedunnecessary to further describe them in detail.

It can be seen in Fig. 1 that the liner 18 is rigidly secured to theframe 17 at spaced-apart points by means of spot welds 27. The outerpanel 10 is preferably 'rigidly secured to the liner 18 so as to providea relatively rigid structure. Forexample, .the inwardly-turned flangeportion 11 of the outer panel may be welded at spacedapart points to theflange 23 provided by the liner 18 if desired; however, I prefer tosecure the panel 10 and liner 18 together through the mounting of thehandle 28 and interlocking lugs at the bottom thereof which are notshown since old and well known in the art. As seen in the illustrationof Fig. 2, the liner 18 may be provided with a plurality of aperturestherethrough that freely receive bolt members 29 that extend in turnthrough longitudinal passages provided through spacer members 30. Aninsulating washer 31 may be interposed between the spacer'30 and thepanel 10, and the screw 29 extends through this washer member, throughthe panel '10, and is threadedly received within a threaded apertureprovided by the handle member 28.

. The inner panel 12 is secured to the framememberl6 at spaced-apartpoints that provide limited contact areas whereby the metal-to-metalcontact between the inner panel and the frame member is limited andthere is little conduction of heat from the inner panel 12 to the framemember and thereafter to the exterior panel 10. The inner panel may berigidly secured to the frame member, it may be adjustably secured to theframe member, or it may be carried by spring means which permit freeexpansion and contraction of the door elements relative to each otherand at the same time are operative to bias the inner panel into sealingengagement with the wall surface about an access opening of a heatedcompartment or space. Fig. 3 illustrates an adjustable mounting for theinner panel 12 and in this particular construction the flange portion 14of the inner panel is apertured at spaced points to permit the insertiontherethrough of bolts 33. Preferably the flange portion 14 is recessedat spaced points where the bolt 33 is received, as is indicated by thenumeral 34, so that the head of the bolt does not extend outwardlybeyond the face of the flange 14. A washer 35 formed from asbestos orsome other insulating material is interposed between the flange 14 andthe liner 18 and thereby breaks the heating circuit from the panel 12and flange 14 thereof to the liner 18. Both the frame 17 and liner 18are apertured so as to receive the bolt 33 and a nut 36 threadedlyreceived upon the threaded shank of the bolt draws the frame member,panel 12 and washer 35 tightly together. It will be apparent that theexact spacing between the flange 14 and liner 18 can be varied simply byemploying washers-35 having greater or lesser width as the case may be.

' A modified form of securing the inner panel 12 to the frame member 16is shown in Fig. 4. In this form of mounting the flange 14 of the innerpanel is recessed as before to receive the head of the bolt 37. Theflange 14 is apertured, as are the frame 17 and liner 18, all of .whichreceive the shank of the bolt 37. A nut 38 is threadedly received uponthe threaded shank of the bolt 37 and a spring member 39interposed'between the flange 14 and the liner 18 tends to bias theflange and the inner panel away from the liner 18. The resilient spring39 is operative to permit the inner panel 12 to move toward the centerof the wall slightly when, as in the case of a movable wall thatprovides a closure member, the closure member or door is moved intoclosing position, as is shown in Fig. 2. This spring constructionpermits the inner panel to be adjusted relative to the frame member andat the same time permits the inner panel to expand and contract relativeto the frame member. Spring type mountings such as are shown in Fig. 4may be used about the inner panel and provide the sole means ofsupporting the same or, if desired, a combination of the spring mountingmembers and the bolt construction shown in Fig. 3 may be employed. Thespecific arrangement is not critical and the result to be achieved ineach case is to connect the inner panel to the frame member only atspaced points which provide limited contact areas and thereby minimizethe metal-to-metal contact between the inner panel and the frame supporttherefor.

In Fig. 2 the wall structure is shown adapted as a closure member for anoven such as might be found in kitchen cooking stoves. The front panelof face of the stove is designated by the numeral 40 and as shown themember 40 turns rearwardly and provides a generally horizontal surfacethat may form the top 41 of the stove. An inner wall 42 separates theoven compartment 43 from the upper portions of the stove. If desired, abracket 44 secured at one end to the wall member 40 and at its oppositeend to the wall member 42 may provide a means for supporting thedivision wall 42 at a spaced distance below the upper wall of the stove.The bottom wall for the oven space 43 is designated by the numeral 44a.A sealing gasket 45 that may be formed of nylon or some other suitablematerial may be carried by the flange 14 of the inner panel 12 and whenthe closure member is in the position shown in Fig. 2 a tight sealbetween the flange 14 and oven wall members is provided by the seal.

Preferably in the installation shown in Fig. 2 means are provided formounting the closure door or wall structure for pivotal movementrelative to the remainder of the stove. The hinge mounting to permitthis result is well known in the art and his believed unnecessarytherefore to describe such structure in detail. In a typicalinstallation a bracket 46 might be provided that is movable through thewall 44a and at its opposite end is rigidly secured to the wall members.The hinge or guide 46 stabilizes the movement of the wall or door memberand cooperates in supporting the closure with a hinge 47 that is rigidlysecured to the wall 44a and which provides a pivotal support asindicated at 48 for the closure door.

A modified form of closure member is illustrated in F1gs..5 and 6. Inthis form of the invention an inner wall or door panel 50 is providedand spaced therefrom in an outer panel 51. The outer panel 51 isequipped with inwardly-turned peripheral flange portions 52 thattelescopically receive therein the outwardly-turned peripheral flange 53provided by a frame member 54. The frame member 54 at its inner end isturned inwardly as at 55 and provides a central opening 56 therethrough.The flange 55 extends inwardly and is received within theforwardly-turned peripheral edge portion 57 with which the imier panel50 is equipped. 'Ihe flange 57 is turned upwardly and outwardly toprovide an integral flange or wall portion 58 to which may be secured asealing member or gasket 59.

In this form of the invention the outer panel 51 is rigidly secured tothe frame member 54 and this may be accomplished by spot welding orotherwise rigidly securing the flange portions 52 and 53 together in amanner that has been hereinbefore described. The mounting for the handle60 may also be operative to rigidly secure the frame and outer paneltogether. As is shown best in Fig. 6, a bolt 61 may extend throughaligned apertures provided in the frame member 54 and outer panel 51.The bolt 61 extends through a longitudinal bore through a spacer 62 thatis interposed between the frame 54 and panel 51. The handle 60 may beequipped with threaded apertures that threadedly receive the bolt 61 andthereby anchor the handle 60 securely to the panel 51.

The inner panel 50 is secured to the frame member 54 at spaced-apartpoints that provide limited metal-to-metal contact areas. Preferably theinner panel 50 is secured to the frame member at spaced points adjacentthe bottom thereof as is shown in Fig. 5 and also at points along theside edges of the panel as is also shown in Fig. 5. The inner panel maybe rigidly secured to the frame member 54 or may be adjustably securedthereto by means of bolts or by means of a spring construction such asshown in Fig. 4 and which has been heretofore described. In the specificembodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the flange portion 58 of the innerpanel is recessed at spaced points as designated by the numerals 62a andat such points the edge portion is perforated to receive the shank of abolt 63. The frame member 54 is also apertured and receives the shank ofthe bolt and a nut 64 is threadedly received upon the threaded shank ofthe bolt. Washer members formed from some suitable heat insulatingmaterial such as asbestos are interposed between the flange 58 and framemember 54. The bolt 63 and nut 64 thereof draw the inner panel 50 intotight engagement with the washer 65 and thereby draw it tightly againstthe frame member 54 to provide a relatively rigid mounting for the innerpanel.

This type of door construction may be used in the broiler of a domesticcooking stove and in such case the broiler compartment may be in theform of a drawer that can be withdrawn from the compartment or broilerspace to provide access thereto. In such event, the inner panel 50 mayhave rigidly secured thereto by means of bolts .66, bracket members67that in turn are secured to a bottom wall 68 that is'slidablysupported the compartment andwhich may be withdrawn when the door orclosure member is pulled outwardly from the heated space. Thisconstruction maybe wholly conventional and will not therefore bedescribed inrfurther detail.

It will be appreciated that the wall structure or door may provide solidinner and outer panels as are shown in Figs. 1 through 6, or the panelsmay have windows therein which permit one to view the interior of theheated space without opening the closure door. The space between theinner panel 50.and outer panel 51 in the embodiment of the inventionshown in Figs. 5 and 6 will be completely filled with insulation as isshown by the numeral 69. 'If desired, an insulating washer 70 may beinterposed between the spacer member 62 and the frame member 5410further insulate and break metal-to-metal contact between'the frame 54and outer panel 5 1.

The wall structure operates to provide the outer panel at a relativelycool temperature even though the heated space enclosed by the wall is ata relatively high temperature and therefore the innerpanel of the wallis at a relatively high temperature. If the wall provides a door orclosure member as is illustrated in the drawings, the door ismanipulated in the usual manner. When the door is in closed position ittightly seals the heated space and prevents the escape of heated airtherefrom.

The structure provides an integral and unitary door or wall structurehaving an inner panel and an outer panel spaced therefrom. The entirespace between the panels is filled with insulation. Therefore, there areno passages for the flow of air between the inner and outer panel andthere is no dissipation of the heat within the heated space which wouldresult from such an air flow. The inner panel is supported atspaced-apart points by means that provide limited metal-to-metal contactareas and therefore there is little conduction of heat from the innerpanel 12 or 50 to the outer door or wall panels. It has been found thatwhere large metal-to-metal contact areas exist, that there isconsiderable transfer of heat from an inner door panel to an outer dooror wall panel. By eliminating large contact areas, such transfer of heatis also eliminated.

As an example, where this construction is used in the forming of ovendoors for kitchen cooking stoves it has been found that where theinterior of the oven and consequently the inner door panel are at atemperature of approximately 400 degrees F., the outer panel remainsrelatively cool and a person may place his hand upon the outer panel insafety without being burned or otherwise made uncomfortable.

By mounting the inner panel upon adjustable bolts or upon springs, asshown in Figs. 3 and 4, the precise position of the inner panel relativeto the frame and outer panel of the wall structure may be adjusted asnecessary to permit the outer panel to lie flush with the face of thestove and at the same time insure a tight seal between the inner paneland wall members of the oven or other heated space. If springs areemployed, they bias the inner panel inwardly and tend to seat it firmlyand tightly against a gasket interposed between that panel and the rigidwalls of the heated space.

A modified form of oven door closure is illustrated in Fig. 7. The dooror movable panel member in construction is substantially the same asthat illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 in particular. The door is designatedgenerally with the numeral 75 and includes an outer panel 76, innerpanel 77 and frame member 78. Since the construction is similar to thoseheretofore described, the door '75 will not again be described indetail.

The door member 75 is adapted to provide a closure for the accessopening of an oven or broiler compartment. The compartment is defined inpart by the generally horizontal wall 79 which is turned upwardly at theforward end to provide the flange 80. A bracket member 81, which isgenerally L-shaped, is rigidly secured to the wall member 79 by weldingor other suitable means. A

.6 7 seal 82, which may be nylon, is securedto the inner panel 77 and iseifective to provide a substantially sealed closure for the ovencompartment. It will be appreciated that the door member 75 may befilled with a suitable insulation and preferably the metal-to-metalcontact between the inner panel 77 and frame member 78 is maintained ata minimum.

While in the foregoing specification embodiments of the invention havebeen set out in considerable detail for purposes of illustration, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that considerable deviationmay be made in these details without departing from the spirit andprinciples of the invention.

[I claim:

1. In a wall structure adapted to provide a closure member for an accessopening of a heated compartment, a perimetric frame, a liner rigidlysecured to said frame and extending outwardly. therefrom, an outer panelequipped with a rearwardly-turned peripheral flange and being rigidlysecured to said liner, an inner panel equipped with a forwardly-turnedperipheral flange provided with an outwardly turned end portionextending in substantial parallel alignment with said liner in spacedrelation therewith, said inner panel being secured to said liner atspaced-apart points along said end portion by means restricting the areaof contact between said liner and inner panel, said outer'panel and saidinner panel being spaced apart and the space therebetween beingsubstantially completely filled with insulation.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said outer panel is equipped with ahandle, said handle being secured in place by means of connector boltsextending through said liner and said outer panel and into said handle,spacer members being provided between said liner and outer panel tomaintain'the same in spaced-apart relation adjacent said handle member.

3. In combination with a cooking range having a front wall providing anaccess opening therein for an oven compartment, an insulating doorproviding a closure for said access opening, said door comprising aninner panel having a forwardly and outwardly turned perimetric flangeadapted to sealingly engage the outer face of said wall to close saidoven compartment, a liner spaced from said flange and extendingoutwardly therebeyond in generally parallel relation therewith, saidliner being connected to said flange at spaced apart points ofrestricted area to limit heat conduction therebetween, that portion ofsaid liner projecting outwardly beyond said flange being spaced, whensaid door is closed, from the outer face of said wall, a frame membersecured to said liner and projecting inwardly therefrom beyond saidflange, an outer panel connected to said liner adjacent the outerextremities thereof and being spaced a substantial distance from saidinner panel, and thermal insulation filling the space between saidpanels, whereby when said door is closed, air may circulate between saidliner and outer face of said wall and about said flange.

4. The combination of claim 3 in which said inner panel is connected .tosaid liner by spring members and cooperative adjustable means forresiliently supporting said inner panel and to afford adjustment thereofwith respect to the face of said wall.

5. In a structure having a front wall providing an access openingtherein for a heating compartment, an insulating door for said accessopening, said door comprising an inner panel equipped at its outer edgeswith a forwardly extending wall portion adapted to be received withinsaid access opening, said wall portion being turned outwardly at its endto provide a perimetric flange extending, when said door is closed, insubstantially parallel relation with the forward face of said frontwall, a liner oriented in substantially parallel spaced apart relationwith said perimetric flange and projecting outwardly therefrom in spacedrelation, when said door is closed, with the face of said front wall,said inner panel and said liner being secured together at'spaced apartpoints by fastenersoxtending through said perimetric flange, saidfasteners providing restricted areas to limit heatconduction-from saidinner panel to saidliner, an outer panel carried by said liner adjacentthe outer extremities thereof and being spaced from said inner panel todefine a chamber therebetween, and thermal insulation within saidchamber, the spacing between said perimetric flange, liner, and frontwall affording a space for the circulation of air.

6. In a structure having a heating compartment anda wall provided withan opening therein affording access to said compartment, a door forminga closure for said opening, said door comprising an inner panel adaptedto sealingly engage the outer face of said wall to .close saidcompartment, a frame member spaced from said inner panel and beingconnected therewith about the perimeter thereof at spaced apart pointsof restricted area to limit heat conduction therebetween, the spacingbetween said frame member and said inner panel at said points ofconnection being in communication with air external to said heatingcompartment, an outer panel connected to said '8 frame member adjacentthe outer extremities thereof and being spaced from said inner panel todefine a chamber therebetween, and thermal insulation substantiallyfilling the entire compartment between said panels, said insula-References Cited in the file of this patent .UNITED STATES.PATENTS2,063,407 Smith Dec. 8, 1936 2,220,414 Kn'tzer Nov. 5, 1940 2,438,035Buhman et a1. Mar 16, 1948 2,665,781 Battles et al Jan. 12, 1954 FOREIGNPATENTS $62,518 Great Britain July 5, 1944

